I talked earlier this year that the Dallas Cowboys would be a good fit for Peyton Manning for the fact that they met a lot of the requirements that Manning was looking for. They have an owner, Jerry Jones, that isn’t afraid to spend money to get players that he wants and we know he wants to win. However, the Cowboys made no moves towards Manning and seem as though they will continue to put their faith in “Choking” Tony Romo. Romo has been a successful quarterback in the NFL but seems to lack that “Tebow quality” which is to win when it matters.
The three teams who seem to be serious contenders to land Manning are the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and the San Francisco 49ers. All teams have qualities that appeal to Manning; the Broncos have hall of fame quarterback John Elway in their front office who has been able to develop a relationship with Manning that could get him to sign. The Titans are in the same state in which he went to college and could possibly provide opportunities for him after football. Not to mention, both teams are in the AFC where Manning has said he would prefer to stay. Lastly, we have the 49ers which I feel provide the most opportunity for Manning.
The Niners finished last season with a 13-3 record and made it to the NFC championship game with a mediocre quarterback. They play outdoors but being on the west coast experience warm weather most of the year so this shouldn’t be a deal breaker. They have a line that can keep Manning upright and give him the time he needs in the pocket, and a defense that will help out on the other side of the ball. The Niners really give Manning the best chance to win another Super Bowl.
San Francisco also has an excellent coach in Jim Harbaugh who was even able to make Alex Smith look like a decent NFL quarterback. There is one problem though; Manning and Smith currently have the same agent, Tom Condon, in which it is impossible for him to look out for the best interest of both players. This is more of a problem for Smith in that Condon will look out for Manning before Smith. Smith will most likely have to change agents unless he decides that he wants to pursue another team.
The Niners have made some very good free agency moves bringing in Randy Moss to stretch the field and re-signing CB Carlos Rogers. Moss has received criticism throughout his career for giving up in games, but seems excited to be apart of the 49ers team. A motivate Randy Moss is a very dangerous weapon. He will also have one of the elite running backs in his back field, something he hasn’t had since Edgerrin James. This will relieve some of the pressure of having to throw the ball 50 times a game. I think that the Niners give Peyton Manning the best opportunity to win, and at the end of the day he will suit up in the red and gold, while Smith will be in a different uniform for the first time in his NFL career. If Smith signs with another team I believe he will prove that the Niners success last year was a product of a great coach not a good quarterback.
I have waited seven years for the 49ers to make a change at quarterback and with that in sight I can’t wait for football season to start. I would love to know what the Says Who Sports fans have to say about this.
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